Trek4Mandela launched the 2024 ‘unity diversity’ climb at the Nelson Mandela Foundation
The 2024 expedition will encompass summiting Kilimanjaro through all 6 routes.
Trek4Mandela launched its 2024 ‘Unity in Diversity’ climb centred around 30 years of Democracy in South Africa at the Nelson Mandela Foundation on September 6.
Trek4Mandela is an annual expedition where a group of esteemed individuals attempt to reach the highest peak in Africa. The 2024 expedition will encompass summiting Kilimanjaro through all six routes, with each route symbolising a colour of the South African flag.
The Imbumba Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by innovative social entrepreneur, Richard Mabaso in 2010.
Trek4Mandela communications manager, Sina Moyane said, “In 2020, the Imbumba Foundation launched its very own Caring4Girls branded sanitary towels after 10 years of the success of the Caring4Girls programme. In 2021, Big Save and Imbumba Foundation launched their retail partnership whereby Big Save would stock and sell the Caring4Girls sanitary towels in their stores, in support of keeping girl children in school aligned to the Caring4Girls sustainability model.”
The six routes which will be travelled while summiting Kilimanjaro are:
Marangu (red route): Also known as the Coca-Cola route, is the oldest and most popular route. Marangu uses the same route for ascent and descent. It is said to be the easiest route up the summit because of its gradual slopes. Hence, some climbers finish their trek in 5 days. What makes this route distinct from others is that it is the only route that offers hut accommodations. This is why travellers who wish to climb Kilimanjaro in the wet season are advised to use the Marangu route.
- Distance: 70km
- Days: 6
- Difficulty level: Low
- The symbolism of red on the SA flag: Red symbolises bloodshed and sacrifices made in SA’s struggle for independence.
Lemosho (Blue route): Considered the most scenic trail, the Lemosho route offers a chance to hike through one of the world’s largest high-altitude plateaus, the Shira Plateau. It also offers plenty of opportunities for acclimatization and it starts from the western part of the mountain. Although large wildlife is rarely spotted, the Lemoshoro route is still ideal for those who want less crowds, beautiful scenery, and a high success rate.
- Distance:70km
- Days: 8
- Difficulty: High
- The symbolism of blue on the flag: Blue stands for blue sky and endless opportunities.
Machame Route (Yellow route): Machame route is arguably the most popular route is arguably the most popular route in Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a scenic route with steep slopes and challenging terrains. The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the South and descends via the Mweka route, a route in the mountain that is used only for going down.
- Distance: 61km
- Days: 7
- Difficulty level: High
- Symbolism: Yellow stands for the mineral and other natural wealth of SA.
Rongai (Black route): The Rongai route is the best route to see a bunch of large wildlife like antelopes and elephants during the first days. The Rongai route offers excellent success rates. The beauty of it is since it starts at the north and descends on the south, climbers get to see both sides of the mountain.
- Distance: 75km
- Days: 7
- Difficulty level: Low
- Symbolism of black: Black represents the native people of SA.
Shira (Green route): This route starts at a high elevation of 3500m above sea level on the western side of Kilimanjaro. For climbers who are confident in trekking high-altitude terrain as well as campaigning outside, this route is a good choice. The Shira route is nearly identical to the Lemosho route, and not as crowded as the Machame route. It has a lower success rate due to the steep slopes which result in poor acclimatization.
- Distance: 58km
- Days: 7
- Difficulty level: High
- Symbolism: Green represents the fertility of the SA land.
Umbwe (White route): Umbwe is a short, steep, and direct route that starts from the southern region of the mountain. It is considered the most challenging route due to its fast ascent to high altitude without ample time for acclimatization. It has a low success rate and is only recommended for experienced climbers.
- Distance: 48km
- Days: 6
- Difficulty level: Very high
- Symbolism: White stands for peace and harmony between native people and Europeans.
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